With the 2025 NFL Draft just a week away, I've completed my own review of the Buccaneers' roster and analysis of the top prospects addressing key positional needs. Over the past few years, I've had some solid predictions.
2022 – I advocated for the Bucs to select DE George Karlaftis instead of Logan Hall, and Karlaftis has since recorded 8 and 10.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
2023 – I was about the only one to have C. Kansey on our radar. Early on, when I mentioned him in chats, many doubted we'd choose a small defensive tackle.
2024 – I asserted that J. Verse was the best edge rusher in the draft, surpassing L. Latu, Dallas Turner, and Chop Robinson. I suggested the Bucs should consider trading up to grab him if he fell to 20, but he was taken at 19. He proved to be the top edge player in that draft.
My recommendations reflect what I believe the Bucs should do, not necessarily what I think GM Jason Licht or head coach Todd Bowles will decide.
I would be thrilled if any of the following three players were available at our pick at 19:
1. Mike Green – I've studied a lot of his tape, and he’s explosive off the line with an impressive spin move. His relentless pass-rushing ability and on-field tenacity would add swagger to our defense. As a rookie, he could form a formidable trio with Reddick and Diaby, and if injuries occur, we won’t be in the same predicament as last year.
2. Jahdae Barron – Aside from Travis Hunter, he stands out as the best corner in this draft for both outside and slot positions. His aggressive playmaking style could allow him to step in as a nickel corner or even start over Dean, shifting to nickel in passing situations. I believe corners often excel as nickel players compared to safeties. This would allow Tykee to play the other safety position next to Winfield. Day one, he could be the best nickel corner we’ve had since Ronde Barber.
3. Donovan Ezeiruaku – A fierce competitor with a versatile approach to pressuring quarterbacks, he combines strength with a solid repertoire of pass-rushing techniques. He excels against the run and is stronger than his size would suggest. Either he or Green would significantly bolster our edge group.
I would advise against selecting the following players in the first round: Will Johnson, Maxwell Hairston, Mikel Williams, and James Pearce.
If we can snag one of these players in the second round, I'd be delighted:
1. Shavon Revel – Capable of playing both outside and nickel, he’s an outstanding athlete and an effective blitzer.
2. Darien Porter – With good length and athleticism, he blocked a punt and a field goal and is an above-average tackler.
3. Carson Schwesinger – A tough player with a high motor, he stands out at 235 pounds. He’s quick to read plays and effective as a blitzer.
In the second round, I would avoid drafting any edge rushers if we haven’t already selected one in the first round. I would also steer clear of Demettrius Knight, whose lateral movement and ability to play in space are below average. He's a poor man's Devin White. If he's available in the fourth, he might be worth considering as a special teams player.
If we can combine Green or Ezeiruaku with Revel or Porter, I would be extremely pleased. I’d also be happy with Barron and Schwesinger in our first two rounds. These selections would be a great foundation for rebuilding our defense.
@ehinote - I’d be good with either scenario/combination.
i have begun to buy into a safety, but maybe wait till 2nd round (Watts?). I also think we could be fine with LB Chris Paul in 3rd/4th.
nice analysis ehinote..i would be happy with mike green and porter/revel. Not as big a fan of schwesinger..4th rndr for me. I want a versatile DL in a supposed deep class somewhere in the draft. I think there are a lot of possible quality dls in this draft in every round. This year may be the deepest dl class ever, I am going out on record. Also I like Mike greene a lot more than Donovan Ez
we have zero CBs, if Will Johnson falls to 19, we've got to take him
I see only Dolphins that might pick him earlier
Will Johnson? Second round?
Im curious what you don’t like about him.
most mocks had him unanimous top 5. Lately I’ve seen him fall in the 6-15 range. I’d run to the podium if he was there at 19. Mikey sanistril had a great year for the redskins sorry Washington football team sorry commanders last year. He was a third rounder iirc.
following the 15-0 season I remember a scout saying Michigan kids were 2-3 years ahead of most from a football iq level.
James Pearce jr was arguably top 3 if not 1 in most mocks before this season. That was based off his 2023 film. He was slightly disappointing this year but was on a great defense. I think he’ll have a better career than fellow vol Derek Barnett who was a first rounder as well.
i would love either of those 2. Barron is more likely & realistic at cb at 19 tho. Pearce may be there.
I’m certainly biased being a wolverines fan but will Johnson is up there with hunter imho at least on the defensive side of the ball.
@white-tiger - thanks! I’m also a Chris Paul fan in the 3rd or 4th.
Ezeiruaku and Barron are most likely to be there at 19 along with Emmanwori. Green is going to go higher than most think because the other pass rushers are overrated.
@buckandear - thx! I agree about DL. That’s why I wouldn’t jump on one in the 1st or 2nd round. There are quality guys to be had between 3rd and 5th rounds. I also feel Schwesinger may be more of a 3rd guy talent, but I don’t think he’ll last until then.
I’m no fan of that team up north, but I think Will Johnson would be perfect in this defense. Also like Josaiah Stewart as an edge option, later in the draft, especially if we go with the DB’s early.I’m certainly biased being a wolverines fan but will Johnson is up there with hunter imho at least on the defensive side of the ball.
@buckandear - I don’t think Mike Green falls past the Bengals. I think that’s why many are focusing on Pearce & Ezeirauku at #19. If we’re trying to maximize the defense, some believe (as I have come to believe) the signing of Hassan Reddick allows us to add critical secondary help, first.
While I agree DT is deep for starting talent, edge is not. The belief is that while the starting-level edge talent is not deep, there are some later round edge targets - could be added that could benefit from lining up behind Reddick for a season - maybe start rotating in - and gain some necessary game-time experience to help ramp up their development.
I think that’s a great plan, but for the right prospect.
I hear you about Will Johnson. Definitely a fit for Bowles system and that could be the pick. I just feel that with your first round pick you hope to be able to get that guy that could be a franchise type of difference maker. I’m not convinced that Johnson is among them. At the 19th pick, with around 12 to 15truly impactful players available in this draft, there’s a chance that one or two of them might fall to us.
While Hunter is undoubtedly the top cornerback, I believe Barron is clearly the next best option. Barron has the versatility to excel in various roles. In my view, Johnson is more comparable to players like Trey Amos and Revel rather than reaching the level of Hunter or Barron. A starter in the league for sure, but I don’t see him as an All-Pro talent.
My concerns about Johnson were that he played on a great defense and one that he primarily played cover 3 and 4 schemes in. Yes, that’s Bowles’ base schemes as well, but we can find those guys in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rounds. I feel Johnson was able to take advantage of Michigan’s dominant front 7, which allowed him to jump routes because Michigan’s defense limited QBs chances to get to their second and third reads. Good for Johnson, he knew what he had and he played to those strengths, but I that won’t be the case in the NFL. I feel if you put a Cobee Bryant or Darien Porter on that Michigan defense they would have shined as well. Also, Johnson isn’t the most aggressive tackler.
Just my thoughts. Yes, he is a good player, just not my choice for a knock it out of the park first round pick.
I’m no fan of that team up north, but I think Will Johnson would be perfect in this defense
Awesome that you had to lead with that qualifier. What a great, long running rivalry. Part of what makes college football great
Hah! I’m trying not to focus on the things that separate Buccaneer fans…but one can only go so far.I’m no fan of that team up north, but I think Will Johnson would be perfect in this defense
Awesome that you had to lead with that qualifier. What a great, long running rivalry. Part of what makes college football great
In college football, you are defined by your rivals. They bring out the best in you…
That defense has been stout, and Will Johnson & Josaiah Stewart are tough & smart and could make my Buccaneers, better.
I don’t think Mike Green falls past the Bengals.
As long as Atlanta is comfortable with the major character concerns, I don’t think he gets past them.
I’m actually hoping Radio takes the bait on Shemar Stewart…I don’t think Mike Green falls past the Bengals.
As long as Atlanta is comfortable with the major character concerns, I don’t think he gets past them.
